The Prevalence of Disability and Its Relationship With the Demographic Characteristics of the Elderly in Gonabad City, Iran, in 2019

Abstract

Aims: Disability reduces the independence and quality of life in the elderlies and it increases their independence and causes increased need of support, more admittance in nursing homes and early death. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of disability and its relationship with the demographic characteristics. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was performed on 470 elderly people aged 60 and over living in Gonabad by random stratified sampling. Data collection tools included a demographic profile questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire from the WHO to assess disability in the elderly. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 14.5 and the Kai Scoyer test and ranked logistic regression. Significant levels of less than 0.05 were considered Findings: 35.6% of the elderly had very low disability, 40.6% had low disability, 15.2% had moderate disability and 8.6% had severe disability. Age (P<0.001), sex (P=0.03), literacy level (P<0.001), and background history (P<0.001) were significant predictors of elderly disability Conclusion: There is a relationship between disability and its level with aging. According to the growth in elderly’s population, paying attention to health and reducing disability and promoting their life’s quality is necessary.

Relationship between perceived social support and disability with the mediating role of perceived stress among older adults

“…For instance, Mozafari et al (2016) showed that most older adults experience low to moderate levels of disability [ 37 ]. However, Baghery Kakhki et al (2020) found that older adults have very low levels of disability [ 25 ]. Additionally, Jafari et al (2018) reported that most older adults experienced moderate to severe disability [ 38 ].…”

“…Additionally, family members were the primary source of perceived social support for these older adults. Baghery Kakhki et al (2020) and Adib-Hajbaghery et al (2009) reported that self-care had the lowest level of disability among older adults [ 25 , 26 ]. Similarly, Noei et al (2017) found that self-care had the lowest levels of disability among older men [ 39 ].…”

“…In the past two decades, Iranian older population has grown significantly from 1.7% to over 3% [ 25 ]. Therefore, the number of older adults with disabilities is likely to increase rapidly over the coming decades [ 16 , 26 ].…”

Socioeconomic disparities in using rehabilitation services among Iranian adults with disabilities: a decomposition analysis

“…For example, in a population based study in Tehran, the prevalence of disability among Iranian older adults over 60 years old was 11% in which hearing loss was the most common type of disability (85%). In another study on 470 elderly people aged 60 and over, in Gonabad city in Iran, 40.6% of the elderly experienced low disability, 15.2% had moderate disability and 8.6% face severe disability [8].…”